Parents' Guide to

Mech Cadets

By Diondra Brown, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Teens and bots must defend Earth in family-friendly series.

TV Netflix Anime 2023
Mech Cadets poster: Stanford Yu and his friends stand with large Robo Mechs behind them, show title above..

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

teamwork demonstrates that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.</p> ">
  • Mech Cadets screenshot 1: Standford, Olivia, Frank, and Maya stand together suited up as pilot trainees.
  • Mech Cadets screenshot 2: In a desert Stanford stands looking up at a gigantic Robo Mech with blue, silver, and gold armor on - who is kneeling down before him.
  • Mech Cadets screenshot 3: Five huge Robo Techs stand in formation in a desert at night, their suits are illuminated in the dark sky as they face forward.

Community Reviews

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age 11+

Based on 2 parent reviews

hls4g9
hls4g9 Parent of 4, 6, 7 and 9-year-old
September 24, 2023
age 14+

Inappropriate for young kids

There was a make out scene in the middle of the show, with two teenagers. I mean my 9 yr old liked the show, but it was entirely inappropriate and we stopped watching.
Elle H.
Elle H. Parent of 6-year-old
September 3, 2023
age 7+

Exciting story with lots of heart and emotion. Great, diverse group of characters.

See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

This story is set far in the future, when Earth's safety is in the hands of giant robots and a fleet of pilots, known as the MECH CADETS. Stanford, a young janitor at a military base, has always dreamed of becoming a Sky Corps cadet like his father. When he accidentally bonds with a Robo Mech, he's unexpectedly thrust into pilot training and required to prove himself. Along with fellow cadets, Olivia, Maya, and Frank, Stanford must learn how to fight in space and defend Earth from the very dangerous Shargs. Will he find success, or will everyone's doubts about his worthiness be his downfall?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (1 ):

This is an easy watch for the whole family, but it's packed with cheesy moments. Mech Cadets hits the mark at bringing an original story to life, but misses the mark for sincerity. It features diverse characters with ease, but forcefully pushes in life lessons. Mech Cadets' animation style is very unique, which makes for an interesting viewing experience. Viewers' investment in the story may depend on their interest in Stanford's underdog story. The series is much like Transformers, so fans of that may enjoy this take on the human/bot connection.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how in Mech Cadets Stanford has a natural talent for flying, despite not having any training. He constantly has to prove his worth and skillset. How do you think this makes Stanford feel?

  • Is Captain Tanaka a good leader? Why or why not?

  • Why is teamwork important to the Mech Cadets?

  • Which Robo Mech would you want to bond with? Why?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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